1994 BMW 318 vs. 1988 BMW 530
To start off, 1994 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1994 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1994 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 318 | 1988 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1593 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
